OOOO, Did I finally catch a thread live?!?

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>>2360649
Welcome back to Death Among the Stars Quest!

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The halls of the Void Temple were of black glass, blasted and polished by the flames of the Voidknights and Disciples that constructed it. Braziers of the ultraviolet flame mark the paths and reflect across the glass in dizzying patterns that only they and those sensitive to the power could perceive. The entire Temple itself seemed to hum with the song of the Void like a resonance chamber.

Voidknight Jareth and the trio of Disciples stood in a chamber surrounding a large Cauldron, the very one that gave rise to Gral the Void Juggernaut. Ringing the chamber were numerous sarcophagi that had Glutton Spheres ringing their outsides. Three of these sarcophagi had their crystals pulsing with light as they fed off the energies of those sealed within. Voidknight and Disciples stood in front of these occupied sarcophagi for several moments as they concentrated on the presences within.

Finally Jareth gives a nod and two of the sarcophagi slide open to reveal the pair of Deathshead Guardians sealed within. The bone within seemed to mold to their very forms to keep them sealed with only their skulls allowed to turn and gaze around. Both had their heads lowered, the Voidflames surrounding their skulls faint but they grow brighter and more fierce as they both lift their heads. They regard their captors with eyesockets that burn with motes of light but say nothing and otherwise remain motionless.

Reaching up Voidknight Jareth removes his horned helm to hold it under his arm, his own skull wreathed in Voidflame as he looked back and forth between them, "Greetings. We have much to discuss, including why your Empire broke our cease-fire and why the pair of you surrendered to us when you could have easily turned the tables upon my Disciples. Let us begin, shall we."

>>2360727
Maybe they heard we have better health insurance than the empire

>>2360727
Was there anything Jadyk should address before appearing before the crowds?
>Speak with Ruscuv concerning Zekrul and/or the Masked's hints of her potential betrayal
>Speak with Jor before entering the colosseum
>Observe the Voidknights interrogation of the Deathshead
>No, address the living citizenry
>Other (write-in)

>>2360855
>No, address the living citizenry

>>2360855
>>No, address the living citizenry

>No, address the living citizenry

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>>2360855
>No, address the living citizenry
>>2360649
Hearing about how our capitol is practically guaranteed to become the culinary capitol of the galaxy made me think of a zombie Gordon Ramsey yelling to some cowering Osjic about how the food is "FUCKING RAW".

>>2360855
>>No, address the living citizenry

>>2360855
>No, address the living citizenry

>>2360855
(sorry about the delay)

You give a nod to Jor as you stride past him, talons clacking against the ground with each step. The human quickly follows as you glance toward him, "Tell me again, Jor, what should I address?"

Clicking his tongue he thinks for a moment, "Well there several things I supposed. Talk about the Ahkam invasion, the death of the Matriarch, sooth the fears over the Empires attack, maybe address issues of the living getting along better," he started counting off on one hand, fingers lifting and closing with each topic before he gives a shrug, "There's frankly quite a few things you could bring up but I'm sure you'll do fine like the last few times," he says with a chuckle while you give a thoughtful nod as the pair of you work your way through the stadiums interior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGLMBfwsM2k

With night completely fallen over the city the lights of the colosseum and throughout the city were shining. However they grow dim as the holoscreens flicker out and the conversations and laughter grow quieter and curious. Finally the holoscreens flicker to life once more thoughout the colosseum and city to display the form of the human woman standing upon a small disk barely wide enough for her stance but as it lifts and twists through the air into the center of the arena it seemed unlikely she would fall.

Her head was shaved and adorned with recent tattoos of prayers in the Wormtongue scrolling across her scalp and brow, dressed in an outfit that partially resembled the robes of the Necromancers. Her smile was wide and bright as she spreads her arms out toward the crowds that began to cheer at the familiar sight of the woman whose voice booms out of countless Chitin Choir statues built through the colosseum and those squares and plazas that the citizenry gathered in throughout the city, "I bid you all welcome! Tonight it is my greatest honor to announce the arrival of the Lich that has brought us all here!"

There was loud cheering that nearly drowned her out, the freed peoples from Kanda roaring out the loudest, but as she lifts her hands the din calms down and she continues, "Fresh from the battlescapes of our sister system of Bastion to defend our Ructu and Stonestar friends from the dreadful Ahkam Matriarch, to our very own moon to thwart the evils of the Empires Deathshead," she lifts a hand and arches her back to gaze dramatically toward the moon looming in the sky above before continuing with a flourishing gesture to the platform, "I am proud to introduce the Lich-Lord Jadyk! Herald of the Wormstars Truth and protector of the Curous Sector and us, his loyal followers!"

The Ahkam serpents and those gathered on the platform had moved back to the edges and as the holoscreens shifted from the announcer to the platform her words were nearly drowned out by the cheering of the crowds.

>cont

>>2361038
Somehow the noise grew louder as you stride forth from the stairs leading into the stadium itself, the image of your new Arc blessed form displayed across holoscreens throughout Iti'a'Ropku, Vyi'a'Rthun and holoscreens displayed for Legionnaires throughout the sector. Even the smugglers had returned to the hold of the Wick, gathering around the holoscreen projected by their demi-Think Tank.

The indigo chitin of your new form shined in the lights trained upon you as you strode forth. This form was new and unknown to the living as after the initial cheering you can sense and hear them questioning if you were actually a new Predator General through the Reconstructed in the stadium.

Their doubts wash away however as you take another step and your body seems to come apart before them. The chitin of your form grows dull for a moment before splitting open and seems to stand still as another form, resembling a bare human skeleton with a core of twisting black metal within its ribcage strides forth from the shell. The sight brought various shouts and screams of surprise and alarm, even those gathered on the platform recoiling in surprise.

Left behind like a serpent shedding its skin the arc-blessed form wavers before seemingly crumbling to dust behind the skeleton that continued with another step toward the front of the platform. With all eyes drawn to the skeleton they do not notice the shell crumble and melt into the streams of biomass and liquid metal flowing up the stairs behind you.

With another step the biomass flows and latches onto your simplistic form and rushes upward with blinding speed to consume your form to another around of screams. The biomass flows and Reconstructs itself, your form distorting and reshaping itself before their very eyes into the hulking form of a Voidknight inspired undead, dark armor and skull wreathed in an inferno of Voidflame.

Another step and once more the new form is left behind by the skeletal form, now resembling an osjiics, before the shell crumples and Reconstructs itself around you once more.

Solar flames erupt from the hunched over shape you took next, pale bone and chitin leaking the flames as your new face, featureless smooth bone, turns its sightless gaze across the crowds that were beginning to calm down as curiosity replaces confusion and panic.

Another step. Another shell shed as a skeletal form resembling a reptile or avian emerges and the Reconstruction begins anew.

Once more you resemble your old self, a tall human(ish) skeleton standing at the edge of the platform, chitin armor regrowing with slower speed across the skeletal form. Soon robes of dark colors stitch themselves together around your form until once again you resemble your pre-Arc self, eye sockets blazing with green Necrotic light.

>cont

>>2361044
Cheering erupts once more throughout the colosseum and cities, the living confused but excited by this display of power. However you were not finished, the display just as much a test for your newfound skills.

The bone of your skull is wreathed momentarily by fluid biomass and it warps, the liquid pulling back briefly to show your human skull replaced with that of a netus, a moment later that of an osjiic, and then a kesh, an esat, a tyrre. Your form shifts and changes, rippling in and out of itself as you flit through the various forms available to you.

The skull of a sunscale worker melts and molds once more to that of a humans but rather than reform it stays static. From beneath the neckline of your robes crawl strands of muscle and veins, the exposed portions of your form seeming to regenerate beyond your undeath.

Muscle, blood, gristle and fat layer and stitch themselves together, the grotesque sight only lasting for several moments but longer than your shifting between undead forms. Finally you stand before your Armada, feet lifting off the platform as you lift yourself up telekinetically, and for the first time, turn eyes of flesh and blood upon those gathered.

A shocked silence filled the stadium as they look upon the new form you've taken, a seemingly living human of dark skin and darker, short hair. Eyes filling your sockets but they too shine with the same light as they had before.

The silence is broken suddenly as Necromancer Jor strides up beside you and slams the butt of his staff against the ground and calls out, his voice carried by the Chitin Choir, "Praise the Wormstar! Praise the Lich-Lord! Praise the Necrotic Armada!"

His cheer is picked up rapidly, the roar of the crowd rising up once more as they begin to hail you. While your new flesh and blood did not extend beyond those portions of your body exposed by your armor, you felt your heart swell with pride.

What shall you say to your beloved Armada?
>Write-in

>>2361047
My loyal sunjects, WE have been through much in the past weeks. FIrst the Assault on Bastion by the Akham Matriachs! Then the Perfidious Osjic breaking the ceasefire before her bllod was cold to try and silence the news of our victory. But neither the Arc Surge empowered serpent queen nor the servants of and warmongering emperor could silence the Song of the New Necrotic Armada! Life and death walking and working together in lock step to make something better than both! To day we celebrate, because we stand stronger than ever with allies in hand as our enemies lie beaten!

>>2361079
We should add something for the fallen.
But today we most also remember and honor the fallen. Those that bravely stood against the invaders along with the innocent and helpless so treacherously and unsparingly taken. Their sacrifices must not only be engrave in the stones of ours the Home of All Souls but in the hearts and minds of all those present here today but also in those of future generations.

>>2361079
This is good, supporting.

>>2361047
Just a note, Active Reconstruction is not normally this quick. Jadyk essentially created what is a shell and base physical form. He's currently basically the weakest physically he has been since his release from the tomb

>>2361047
Aw, I preferred him as a skeleton, though i'm fine with him occasionally reconstructing fully into a traditional organism form. Its just making him human might lead to waifu crap beyond jokes and other silly things, and one of the reasons I like Jadyk is that he is distinctly different fro mother organisms, seeing things from another reference frame, but still learning. I dont want things to devolve like some other quests have is all.
Speak of our recent victory over the Akham, a great step, showing that even the Matriarchs are not beyond justice. Just like the Osjic, they to will find that their strength will become ours. Speak of the Osjic attack, and how they broke there word. Tell them how we will use our full power to make sure they will not be harmed by either faction.
But also warn them of future trials. We must fully push them out of the sector, which will require a great push. Also hint at expansion beyond this borderland sector and further glory to come. Also vaguely warn that there are other dangers lurking in the void(not that Void) that will test us like never before.But we will Prevail.
Finally, mention all of our newest citizens and how we are glad to bring them into the fold. Mention how some are glad to be free of their shackles, be they physical or of duty to a rotting empire or devotion to an uncaring god.

>>2361133
it's a temporary thing. Sort of just a demonstration of Active Reconstruction and display of power to impress the living

>>2361138
All I'm seeing is the potential for undercover bosses-type shenanigans with that living form

>>2361162
Why engenge in shenanigans with your underlings by pretending to be a coworker when you can pretend to be part of the room(light source,chair,floor)and halfway thru one of their conversations, change back to skele-form and leave the room.

>>2361131
Until we sit in our party throne and hook up to the God awful amount of ambient energy this crowd must be giving off

>>2361047
You gaze out across the cheering crowd, feeling their energy flow into you from the countless crystalline energy sponges spread through the city that skimmed off the collective lifeforce. Their cheering continues, shouting their praises of the Armada and of you until you lift your hands and slowly they silence themselves. Your human face was gaunt, stretched over the skull that was still unnatural for baseline humanity, the image projected across the holoscreens.

Finally you spoke, your voice deep as it rings out from the Chitin Choir, "My loyal subjects, both new and old, we have been through much in these past weeks. With the start of the Arc Surge bringing great innovation but also danger we came under the threat of the Ahkam Matriarchs invasion of the Bastion system. She came to claim vengeance for the worlds and peoples we freed, hoping to stop the progress we've made at liberating this sector of space. With the aid of the Lavafather and his children, the might of the Armatocere Collective, along with the bravery of every member of the Legion and the ructu who stood to defend their home, we were victorious and slew the would-be god Quantac'Vrix!"

The cheering resurges once more as you lift a fist in victory, Arc lightning crackling across the limb. Cve'jok hisses faintly and looks to the ground but Red-Leaf-Strains pats the side of her coils comfortingly, the serpent giving a thankful tilt of her head.

Waiting for the din to calm somewhat you speak once more, "Then, before her blood was even cold the traitorous Empire broke the very same ceasefire they proposed to try and silence the news of our victory and take advantage of our split attentions.

But they too failed!"

The flesh of your face is engulfed by a growth of chitin racing up your neck suddenly, Reconstructing into the shape of a living Netu, yellowed eyes looking across the crowds as a gasp ripples through them while you continue as if nothing happened, "Neither the Arc Surge empowering the serpents and their Matriarch, nor the servants of a warmongering Emperor could silence us!

"Life and death walking and working together under a single banner to make the galaxy better! Today we celebrate, because we stand stronger than ever with allies in hand as our enemies lie broken and defeated!"

Your announcement was not just broadcast through the cities and outposts for the loyal living. So too did the holoscreens display the footage throughout your various prisons were captives and would-be converts watch in silence or disdain. Even Vle'Karak and Nru'jok had fallen silent as they watched the holoscreen projected in his old cell.

>cont

>>2361394
"However, today we must also remember and honor the fallen. Those who bravely stood against the invaders along with the innocent and helpless so treacherously and unsparingly taken. From the ructu villagers who found their homes destroyed and their kin slain, to the stonestar who fought to protect their home of Bastion, to the innocent osogo pilgrims only wishing to find their way to our great city, and not least of all, the brave Necrolyte Legionnaires who gave their lives to protect them all," your voice grew solemn as the crowds fell silent. Once more your form shifts, the beak and black chitin of the insectoid netu peeling back to reveal the reptilian kosda beneath, scales dark and vibrant green.

"Their sacrifices must not only be engraved in the stones of our Home of All Souls, but in the hearts and minds of all those present here today and also in those of future generations that shall call the Armada their own.

"Yet it is not just the Legion that shall protect you. I and my Generals, will each give our all to ensuring the safety and continued prosperity of this New Necrotic Armada. The Dynasties and the Empire will strike once more, this we have no doubt, for they are entities of unbridled hatred and conquest.

"BUT FEAR NOT!" you sudden shout seems to startle the crowds. The kosdan face you wore seems to melt and reform in a brief moment to that the chitinous form of a vorh, mandibles clicking as you spoke, "It is my pledge that we shall do everything in our ever increasing power to assure the safety of all who follow me and our allies!"

The cheering resumes and by the time it had died down enough to speak you had donned the face of a Blackscale, dark scales glossy in the light, "There will be future trials, this is certain. Dangers and threats are a constant in this galaxy, this I cannot deny. But together, we can overcome them."

You extend a hand, clawed and matching the reptilian you appeared as, toward the gathered crowds, "I know that joining my Armada is never easy, nor without pain. I deeply regret the cruelty I inflicted upon the oldest of my followers, before they helped me learn of a better way than that which I had spent my unlife for millennia before my imprisonment.

"I know the pains and scars of the past can never truly be forgotten, nor even forgiven, but know that every member of my Armada brings their own value that is plainly clear to me and my Necromancers. It is my wish that soon you all learn to see and appreciate this simple but powerful truth. It heartens me to learn of every new citizen that joins us and I welcome you all into my Armada."

>cont

>>2361400
You look out once more then into the eye of a demi-Think Tank that floated before you, serving as the camera, "But remember, be you glad to be free of your shackles, whether they be physical or a duty to a rotting empire or devotion to uncaring false-gods, that they are now just like you. Siblings in the New Necrotic Armada."

Your face reforms, taking on the appearance of an epikor with quills gone dark with age, "I cannot expect to ask you all to forget, nor to even forgive, that is a choice up to you as individuals, but please, know that we all are Reconstructed, Reborn, Reforged, Remade anew within this Armada."

As your words rang out they are swallowed up by the cheering of the living who begin chanting your name and that of the Wormstar. Among the multitudes of voices you even heard shouts cheering on Necromancer Jor by name, along with those of Legionnaires who friends and families outlived them. You floated there, listening to the cacophony of voices as a mass of biomass engulfs your head once more but reshapes itself into a helm of chitin and bone, the insectoid visage resembling not the wooden mask still within your torso but rather an intricate distortion of your very original form of a Necroworm, a tangle of delicate spines and horns forming a halo behind your head.

"I was once nothing more than a pathetic worm that fed upon and piloted the bodies of the dead. On my original homeworld, lost to the ages, we were little more than a parasite. Only by the blessing of the Wormstar was I reborn, Reconstructed, into something new and greater than I was before," your hand, now armored as if for war, lifts to the skies as you turn your gaze up as well in remembrance before looking back to the crowds before you, "It saw the potential I had within me and took it upon itself to help me realize and achieve this potential.

"The Wormstar may have been profane and sought the total consumption of all life, it is now dead, defeated and slain for those goals. However, I choose to honor it, not with conquest and destruction, but with fostering and encouraging the chance for change and strengthening. This is the true message and truth of the Wormstar, to see the potential within all beings, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and working to see that potential blossom into something spectacular.

"This is the goal of my New Necrotic Armada and my Truth, the Truth of the Ever-Changing Worm! To Death and through it to Eternity!

Your voice rings out and is joined by millions more, carried out across numerous star systems and you hope, that somewhere, somehow, the Wormstar would be proud of you still.

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>>2361403
>The Wormstar may have been profane and sought the total consumption of all life
"In hindsight that was a teensy bit evil. Totally my b on that one"

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Sorry for all the delays. Need to take a break to get something to eat before everywhere closes.

Hope folks are enjoying and can forgive me for getting a little bit carried away there and continuing on without more input

>>2361432
Was there anything else you wished to address while you have your citizenry gathered before you?

>>2361565
As we take more worlds, there will be a greater and greater influx of new citizens(eventually it will be more prudent to leave them were they are), so it would help if the citizens were more welcoming, be they slaves or soldiers. Thats all i cant think to add.

>>2361565
Nothing comes to mind except >>2361583

>>2361565
Announce some form of celebration for the next day or so regarding the successes of the Armada and as a means of honouring the memory of those fallen

Finish off on a note of "though our enemies may be numerous they fail to see that every time they strike at us they are made weaker for it while we become stronger. And in an age where despair and stagnation, where individuals suffer in indifference of those who hold the power to help yet do nothing, the Armada will not stop until all can live free while sharing our path to a brighter tomorrow

>>2361403
You wait for a momentary lessening of the din and begin to speak once more, "As we bring this Truth to more systems, to more worlds, there will be an ever greater influx of new citizens joining us. I can only ask that you grant them the kindness of a welcome, be they slaves or soldiers. Remember the lessons of kindness and acceptance that our great Matron Red-Leaf-Strains strives to impart upon us all," you say through your crowned helm.

The camera shifts, the image of the osogo Necromancer displayed across the holoscreens. She seems taken aback for a brief moment before her eyes squint and ears flit back in a kind smile while bowing her large form in thanks.

"Though our enemies may be numerous, they fail to see that every time they strike at us, they are made weaker for it while become stronger. And in an age where despair and stagnation, where individuals suffer in indifference of those who hole the power to help yet do nothing, the Armada will not stop until all can life free while sharing our path to a brighter tomorrow.

"Now go, enjoy yourselves and the company of friends and allies. There is much to do and tend to, in this, our Armada. But for now, relax and enjoy, tomorrow we shall honor the memory of the fallen," you say with a deep bow before the holoscreens flicker.

The announcer replaces your image as her platform lifts into the air once more, her wide smile greeting the crowds, "You heard the Lich! Time for a celebration!" her voice calls out as a number of pyrotechnic flares are launched into the air to detonate in sparkling showers of color. Hardlight constructs began to appear as hovercraft racers pull out from the sides of the arena and begin aligning themselves. Soon after the pilots emerged to a new round of cheering as they raised their hands to greet the crowds already excited for the resumption of the races.

Your throne drifts forward, seeming to catch yourself as you sat down. By the time it spun around to face Jor and Red-Leaf-Strains the chitin and bone of your helm folding back to take the form of armored gorget around your neck leaving your vaguely human skull with burning sockets devoid of any flesh or blood behind.

Jor held his staff nestled in the crook of his arm while giving a short bit of applause and a laugh, "Quite a spectacle, Lord Jadyk. I like the new helm. Very evocative."

Red-Leaf-Strains bows her head, "This night will certainly do much to ease their fears and doubts. Thank you, Lord Jadyk."

Once more seated in your throne you feel the rush of the energies siphoned and skimmed from the living. It was rejuvenating after the intense display of your new Active Reconstruction skills. You could tell the Deep Rot disapproved of the wanton waste of biomass with each transformation but you ignored it. Chuckling you nod your head, "I hope I did not carry on too much. There was quite a bit that needed to be said."

>>2361716
Thread will be resuming tomorrow afternoon.

Hope folks had fun even with the shortish thread with not much happening. I know I had fun writing it.

I'll be up for a bit longer if anyone has questions or suggestions for the Quest

>>2361744
Thanks for running as always Graves. I always like these sessions showing the citizens and culture of our cities

>>2361744
Nah this was good, been waiting for this bit for some time

>>2361744
Awesome run graves the colosseum is always an epic moment

>>2361047
Goddamn graves that was fucking cool. How BIG can we shape our selves anyway?

>>2361400
I bet the masked are cackling with delight at how the lich has turned out.

>>2362293
Well im sure some are. Others are probably getting a bit worried, what with us upsetting the status quo and ruining the plans they have been brewing. Remember, some Masked are rooting for us(in diffrent ways and for diffrent reasons) , while others are rooting for things that run counter to us, whether actively(Akham Dynasties, Osjic Empire) or passively(cant think of an example, but things that get affected as a side effect by us).

Bump?

Thread will be resuming within the hour

didn't mean for it to get this late

>>2364979
Hey Graves, I know you have your plans for the thread, but could we sneak in talking to the people on Refuge? we just saved them and started rebuilding but now we aren't taking their calls when they want to join up. And just for my own enjoyment can we go talk to the trees amd see what our plant loving skeleton is up to in the near future?

>>2365053
I believe we sent Tlacex to chat them up last thread

>>2365065
We did.

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>>2364979

>>2364979
Okay only slightly over an hour.

Roll call time, sound off

>>2365134
Present.

>>2365134
here

>>2365134
here

>>2365134
yo!

>>2365134
here

>>2365134
Howdly Skeledoodly

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>>2365134
Voidknight Jareth and his Disciples stood before the restrained pair of Deathshead Guardians, the Reconstructed General rubbing his chin with a finger in thought before he spoke, "I will only say this once. Why did you break the cease-fire? 13 Ascendant Blade brought it to us himself, why go through the effort just to break it immediately? Are the Empires prized Guardians that cowardly?"

The Disciples stood behind him with hands resting close to weapon hilts out of habit. They were silent as Jareth spoke, ripples of Voidlight crossing their forms intermittently while focusing intently on the captives.

Silence answered the Voidknight. With a sigh of disappointment Jareth gives a shake of his head and with a motion with his hand the sarcophagi began to close until a voice halts its sealing, "We are the Emperors tools. We fight and conquer at their command, even if we do not agree with it," one said in the osjiic language.

"The one in charge said the same thing. I can only assume you mean your Emperor ordered this attack against the advice of his Deathshead," Jareth muses as both stare at him, unmoving in their prisons, "I suppose that answers one of my questions."

"Forced to break a cease-fire of our own making, 13 Ascendant Blade knew we brought shame to ourselves," the other began to speak, forcing the other to turn their skull in their direction even though they could not see each other, "In order to lessen our shame we contained our assault to you, our destined foes, and this moon where bystanders would not be."

The Disciple who held the door to the Void Temple barks out a curse in the ancient language of the Black Flame before speaking in Osjiic, "Lies. Your Empire attacked and slew innocent primitives of our world, you had an entire other fleet aimed at our home with the intent to slaughter if we had not broken their advance!" they cut their tirade as they catch Jareth glancing over his shoulder toward him.

Jareth says nothing about the outburst, instead looking to the Deathshead as the first one speaks, "We did not know another fleet would join. Secrecy is the oil that fuels the Empire. Not even we are told everything."

Folding his arms across his chest the Voidknight nods, "While I don't trust your words in their entirety, you two have been the most talkative of your kind we've had as guests. What should we call you?"

Silence answers him for a long moment before the one who spoke of shame speaks, "33 Unending Vigil."

This draw another glance from their partner who pauses for several long moments before stating, "42 Sundered Flame."

Jareth chuckles as he rubs at his chin once more, "You Deathshead and your names. A curious custom of recycling titles showing that, as par the course for the Empire, nothing is truly yours.

"So tell me, why did you surrender to us? Why give yourselves up when you could have possibly succeeded? I did not believe that you Deathshead knew of the concept."

Roll me 1d100 best of first 3 please

Rolled 70, 14, 36 = 120 (3d100)

>>2365258

Rolled 22, 25, 87 = 134 (3d100)

>>2365258

>>2365268
>>2365279
1d100 pls

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2365258
whoops

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>2365285
Critfail

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>>2365295
>>2365299

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2365285

>>2365258
Once more silence is Jareth's answer as they pair of skeletal undead stare at him with empty eye sockets. Clacking his teeth in frustration he shakes his head, "I see I am wasting my time. Fine, you can wait here in the dark until my Lord decided when to Reconstruct you into something actually useful."

As he lifts his hand to close the sarcophagi 33 Unending Vigil speaks, "Defeat was apparent. Our assault, failed. We may have defeated your Disciples in combat, perhaps, but we would not have lasted long after."

42 Sundered Flame looks in the other Guardians direction but says nothing, only turning their gaze back to the Voidknight.

"You must know you have no hope of rescue," Jareth says, motioning to the undead.

"Not of rescue, no. Survival, perhaps that can be achieved," they say simply.

The Voidknight is silent for several moments before he asks, "What do the whispers of Ghul say to you?"

Once more there is silence until 33 says ever so quietly, "Opportunity."

They then fall silent, neither answering any further questioning until Jareth orders them sealed once more.

As the prisons sealed tight and the Glutton Spheres glowed Jareth turns to the Disciples, "It's too convenient, isn't it?"

One of the Disciples gives a short nod and crosses their arms across their armor, "I do not trust them."

Another gives a short bark of laughter, "Of course not, they are Deathshead."

>Despite the efforts of Voidknight Jareth the pair of Deathshead Guardians are not forthcoming with information so far

Jareth sends a message to you with a recounting of the interrogation. He questions what you wish to do with them for the moment.
>Reconstruct them
>Interrogate them yourself
>Keep them contained for now
>Wait for Lorgul to interrogate them himself
>Other (write-in)

>>2365370
>>Wait for Lorgul to interrogate them himself

>>2365370
>Wait for Lorgul to interrogate them himself
The head of the Order should speak to them.

>>2365370
>Wait for Lorgul to interrogate them himself
Patience is a virtue, and I think we can all agree the Armada is more virtuous than the Osjics. Lets hold these guys until we get what we want from them.

>>2365370
>>Wait for Lorgul to interrogate them himself

>>2365370
Ruscuv and Valresko watch the screens as the Palanquin moves into orbit with it's protective ships over the rocky world that had seemed to become the source of Zekrul's metal resources. From the ships and intel gathered by stealthcraft they could see the beginning stages of shipyards and bases forming around the entrances to the mines below.

Awaiting their arrival were several sub-capital ships, so far the entirety of their fleet beyond the masses of shuttles and strikecraft. From the central craft, a light cruiser that had only recently raised into the air, a message is sent and a moment later a holoscreen flickers on to show the armored form of the Envoy. They give a polite, if short bow before speaking, "We are sending shuttle over to bring you to Honiv while your fleet stays here."

Ruscuv clicks her mandibles together as the tendril flip and coil, "We would rather approach in our shuttlecraft. You may escort us in if it pleases you."

The glass visor of the Envoys helm was dark and opaque but they give a short nod, "Two shuttlecraft are allowed but again, the fleet must stay here," he says before the screen flickers out.

The lich glances toward Valresko who looked at her with his featureless face, "What? Don't give me that look, I wasn't about to trust entering their ships and relying them as our only method of egress from there," she says defensively.

Valresko shrugs as he turns to make his way to one of the hangar bays where a pair of Coffins would escort them and a small contingent of Reconstructed soldiers.

Soon enough the pair were within the Coffins being escorted to Honiv by the sub-capitals and a flight of strikecraft. From the shuttles sensors could spot the cockpits with zombified corpses strapped in controlling them,

Was there anything you wished to say to either of them before they meet with Zekrul?
>Yes, Write-in
>No, Move on

>>2365531
I'm for telling little sister whats what. No traitors, no backstabbing.

First of all, we should let her know that Valreskos position at her side wasn't to keep her in line, or a threat against her honor, his presence is a flexing our of might to Hothead. Lie and say you already had a discussion with Jor on the matter.

Second we should tell her that Hothead definitely has a secret weapon brewing under the surface of that planet, and it may or may not be another of our stolen immortals.

Third tell Valresko that he should try his damnedest to recruit Zekrul, but we wont really be sad if it comes to blows. He should however make sure that Ruscov gets to have her fun if it comes to it. A Solar blessed undead like himself could likely annihilate everything this guy has to offer, so he should share.

>>2365531
>>No, Move on
The masked have told us not to trust Zekrul but really we knew that already

>>2365531
>No, Move on
I trust that the two of them will be able to keep the other under control(Valresko will stop Ruscov from wanting to body-slam Mr.Firestarter, and Ruscov will make sure that we show power).

>>2365531
Thankfully the trip to the planet was uneventful, the Coffins following their escort without any more attempts at communication from the Envoy. Honiv loomed larger and larger in the distance as they traveled and finally the shuttles entered an approach vector alongside several of the escorting strikecraft and shuttles. Their hulls began to glow with reentry until passing through the an embankment of stormclouds, the rain within cooling the metal and bone.

It was still midday by the time the ships made it to the outer limits of the former colony, a light rain and overcast sky turning the day gray. Buildings and walls resembling old designs from the former Armada marked the fortified "town" that Zekrul had consumed and rebuilt to fit his goals. The Coffins followed their escort and set down in the same cleared field your Harbinger had been brought to where a contingent of vehicles, most with some kind of mounted weaponry, awaited them.

Ruscuv glances toward Valresko before the cargo bay doors open, "This feels like one of the most obvious traps I've walked into."

"If it is indeed a trap, walking into it and setting it off will surely be the fastest way to determine so," Valresko says before he starts walking down the ramp one the doors open.

Ruscuv taps her chin with a wicked claw as she follows, "Was that a joke?" she asks incredulously, only for the Solar Dominator to shrug his shoulders.

The pair of undead step forth from the Coffin, followed by a contingent of Trolls and Stingers filing out of both Coffins to form ranks behind them. It seemed that the Envoy was not in fact aboard the cruiser still in orbit above for they stood at the head of the gathered vehicles and flanked by two figures who wore similar armor and opaque helms.

Stepping forth the Envoy's helm slides open and into the armor allowing the sickly green flames wreathing their skull to flicker freely. With a short bow they look to the pair of strange looking undead, "Welcome to Honiv. My lord Zekrul awaits your arrival. Follow me," they say with a motion to a few flatbed hovercraft that drift closer to them, "Your guards may join us or stay here."

With a nod from Valresko half of the soldiers stay behind to stand watch over the Coffins as the rest follow them onto the hovercraft. Ruscuv alone nearly took up an entire hovercraft herself when she stepped up onto it alongside Valresko. The Envoy and their pair of followers joined them as it lifts several meters into the air and makes its way toward the center of the colony.

Even from here without the aid of the stealthcraft in orbit, Valresko could sense a powerful Necrotic signature underground but says nothing of it.

"It is my honor to welcome you both to our world. I'm sure your world must be further developed but I am proud of our progress," the Envoy says to them.

>cont

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>>2365723
Ruscuv chuckles, tendril flitting, "Worlds, but yes, your master seems to have a mind for industry. Were those cloned zombies I spied?"

The Envoy gives a short nod, "Indeed," they say simply before looking to a Troll seated on the edge of the hovercraft with legs dangling off the side, "Not as efficient as your Reconstructed, but we use what we have access to."

Valresko clasps his hands behind his back as his tail sways slowly as he looks about. His featureless gaze turns to the Envoy however as they address him, "You are not like the other Reconstructed," they say rather than ask.

A crack forms in Valreskos bone face almost like a twisted, broken smile, "No, I am not. Until recently, I was unique among my Lord Jadyk's Armada."

With a slow nod the Envoy turns away from them to gesture to the domed building looming behind tall walls, "We have arrived."

The hovercraft pass over the walls before descending to a proper landing platform. With a motion to follow the Envoy and their attendants make their way toward a large doorway and into the darkness. The two generals glance at each other, the fracture in Valreskos form already regenerated shut, before they follow with their Reconstructed guard following.

They pass by groups of zombies, mostly humans and vorh with the occasional netu or kesh, that had armor plating bolted to their forms and weaponry either grasped in hand or surgically replaced limbs. They stared, unblinking with eyes that glowed faintly with sickly green light as the Reconstructed passed them by. The halls were dark, the dead not needing much in the way of illumination beyond the occasional torch of green flame or electric lights strung up where construction seemed to be still in progress.

They stop outside a large doorway and the Envoy turns to them, "My lord awaits you beyond this threshold, your guards must wait here," they give a quick glance over their shoulder toward the doors then back to them, "May your discussion be beneficial for us all."

Valresko found the comment odd but says nothing of it as the doors slide open and they are led in by the Envoy as their attendants and the Reconstructed guard stay behind in the antechamber as the doors slam shut.

The chamber was as hot as the Harbinger remembered, a sweltering oven of heat that most living beings would find unbearable, torches of bright green fire burning in rings around each pillar that lined the chamber leading to the dais and throne where the armored form of Zekrul sat.

>cont

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>>2365726
As Ruscuv and Valresko approach he stands, his rust colored armor creaking faintly as the rent in his armor sputters faintly with green flame in a pale comparison to the inferno that engulfs the mummified flesh of their head. Thin lips spread into a faint grin that bare broken, jagged teeth, "I welcome you, followers of Jadyk, to my throneroom. Who do I welcome here..."

They trail off as they squint toward Ruscuv before jerking their head back in surprise, "Am I mistaken or does the great Lich Ruscuv bless my hall with her presence?" they give a deeper bow than their Envoy had before straightening with a wider grin, "I had thought you lost as well and didn't trust Jadyk saying he found you."

Ruscuv gives a dismissive wave of her hand, "Lord Jadyk has been quite busy discovering the remnants of our old Armada. He found my chosen tomb and his Necromancer managed to pass the tests I set to see if this was a worthy age to awaken in," she gives a shrug, her large form shifting on its four legs, claws leaving scoring in the stone floor with each step, "So far it seems to have promise for growth."

Zekrul gives a nod, rubbing at his chin with a finger, "I am glad to see that Jadyk and I were not the only survivors. Perhaps there are others out there," he says with a hint of hope before turning his burning eyes toward Valresko, "You however, I have no memory of."

With a deep bow the Reconstructed looks to the flaming undead, his own orangish-red flames leaking from gaps in his chitinous exoskeleton, "I am Dominator Valresko. I thank you for seeing us this day."

"You are not just of the Necrotic are you?" Zekrul questions while leering closely before his eyes go wide, "You are of the Solar? Impossible!"

Ruscuv lets out a gurgling laugh, her scythes crossing in front of her as her humanoid limbs prop their elbows upon them, "That is what I thought when I first met him. But no, if you remember the Sunscales from the Necrotic War, Brother Jadyk managed to Reconstruct one of their Solar-Blessed into Valresko here."

Valresko sends a blank look to the lich who only shrugs in reply before looking back to Zekrul who shakes their head, their smile gone, "Yes, I remember the Sunscale," he replies with a voice full of bile as he retakes his seat upon his throne, "So tell me, Lich Ruscuv, Dominator Valresko, why do I speak with you now rather than Lord Jadyk himself or through one of his Harbingers? Why did he send you two to me?"

What should Valresko say?
>Write-in

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>>2365729
Weeeeell, Jadyk was preparing for an offensive from the Akham(including a Matriarch during an Arc surge), so he had to remain present to be sure his worlds didnt become FUBAR. He sent us bot has a fellow survivor of the old Armad and the other as a demonstration of our progress and power(dont make it sound like a threat). There are few in the New Armada that have equivalent ranks to us.

>>2365729
jadyk was recovering from slaying a serpent matriarch and subsequent ascension. We were those who remained suitable to speak with you

keeping it simple and honest.

>>2365729

>>2365751

Support for this. A Matriarch of the Akham assaulted us and we had to dispatch her. We then spent some time ascending to our current form of Abomination.

>>2365762
Might wanna keep the Abomination thing off the table for know. For one thing, the generals just know that we have all 4 energies and that we are even cooler then before(maybe with some additional instinctual suspicions because of their own understanding of the universe), but Zekrul will learn of it in time preferably once he isnt as suspicious of us anymore.

>>2365729
>>2365751
Supporting. Don't mention Abomination status though.

>>2365729
Tail swaying behind him Valresko looks up toward the throne, "I believe Lord Jadyk informed you when he spoke with you about his upcoming conflict against the Ahkam Matriarch. We succeeded in slaying the Matriarch but he needed time to recover from the rather intense battle."

Rusuv gives a short nod, "Indeed, the Matriarch was truly a worthy foe. I myself commanded a great beast of a warship to fight her alongside Jadyk and his children," she lets out a slow chuckle, "It was a glorious battle and she was a mighty warrior who's memory I will cherish for ages to come."

"Indeed," Valresko says with a glance toward Ruscuve before continuing, "In the aftermath of the invasion it was decided that with Lord Jadyk indisposed and unable to speak with anyone, let alone even us, that we should be the ones sent to speak with you. There are few in the New Armada have equivalent ranking to us."

Another chuckle emerges from the Lich, "Jadyk's Necromancer felt the importance of this meeting necessitated both of our presences here. You should be honored, Charred Knight."

Zekrul's fingers had drummed along the armrest of his throne as he listened, then gently slapped his palm against it, "A believable tale. No matter," he gives a dismissive motion of his hand, "but what is of importance is, why have the pair of you come to me this day?

"Come to ask me to join his New Armada? Come to slay or enslave me perhaps? Go on, why are you here?" he demands suddenly while propping his chin up in his palm while leaning his elbow against the armrest of his throne. His Envoy stands at the foot of the dais, hands placed on their hips.

Zekrul demands to know why Ruscuv and Valresko were sent. What should Valresko say to this demand even though it was by his invitation they arrived?
>Write-in

>>2365818

Well this is awkward.


"Why by your invitation great Char Knight. We wish to discuss our place in the galaxy as the future marches forever forwards and our great gods of old are no more."

This is a messy situation all around. the best thing for us to do would really be to just glass the planet and kill every member of this little faction in double time before somebody finds out about them using our name. but then there is the huge supet secret. We should play nice, work at forging an alliance for the time being, flattler the hothead, and stay ready to purge him. Any thoughts other anons?

>>2365818
Ah, as in what do they hope to accomplish.

Well, no real need to lie here either. Out of curiosity of finding another member of the old Necrotic Armada, figuring out his general disposition towards Jadyk's armada and the galaxy in general. Primarily information gathering, though not anything sinister or underhanded.

He knows and expects that we would not want him to interfere with our plans. He understands the game of power.

What he doesn't yet understand is what our plans actually are. And we don't yet understand what HIS plans are.

If our plans can coexist, so can we. If they can't, we can't.

So how about something like this:
>>2365818
"Lord Zekrul, you know well the games of power and conflict that ruled the old Necrotic Armada, and indeed rule all factions in the galaxy that possess power sufficient to make a bid for control of their own fate. Among those with significant power, there are varied plans for the future. Those whose plans grow together will pool their power and be allies. Those whose plans are unrelated will only join when threatened by a greater and mutual enemy, and then separate. And those whose plans are in conflict will be enemies for as long as that conflict in their vision remains. That is the way of all power - only those with the strength to claim their desired future will have it. But as only strength can claim the future, it is best when those who desire the same future join forces to strengthen their bid to share it.

My Lord Jadyk respects you as a power of the old Armada, and respects the work you have undertaken and the strength you have displayed - that work and claims which are now truly yours in this new age. But he does not yet know what future you desire, as you may not yet know what future he now desires.

This purpose of our visit is to begin that process of understanding - for each of our factions to begin to understand what vision burns in the soul of the other. And then when we truly see and understand each other, it will then be clear and known to each of us whether we will be friends, or mere acquaintances, or enemies.

That vision for the future, that choice of what to desire among what may yet be, is something that has changed within My lord Jadyk a great deal since you knew of him in the old Armada. Through the process of his long imprisonment and his experiences since his liberation, his vision for the future has been reconstructed into something new. We wish to share that vision for the future with you, Lord Zekrul, and to receive yours in return, so that we may understand each other, and perhaps become friends in what parts of that vision we may come to share. The old Armada failed to be united in vision, and soon were also divided in strength. And being divided, they fell to those who remained united. If it is possible, let us not be divided. But let us first know if it is possible.

My lord Jadyk wishes to share with you the vision that now burns in his soul. Will you receive it? And will you share with us in turn what vision burns in yours?"

>>2365818
We're here to assess him right. So I guess we just come right out with the truth. We want to know what his goals are, to present our sales pitch for him joining the NNA, oh and a cease and desist letter if he refuses membership on the use of the monikers New Necrotic Armada, Necrotic Armada, and any associated sub names and acronyms.

>>2365818
"It is by your invitation we stand here. As Ruscuv stated, Lord Jadyk has an interest in finding previous members of the old Necrotic Armada," Valresko begins before the undead cuts him off.

"Out of guilt perhaps?" Zekrul says with a faint sneer.

"What are you implying?" Ruscuv asks, her tendrils going still as her body tenses subtly.

"It was his defeat that led to the old Armada failing. He was supposed to have met the True Death, his fleet broken and leaving the Alliance to rebound and lead to our eventual defeats, and yet," he motions to the pair standing before him, "Here he is in this new age but still holding a powerful fleet with mighty champions. It seems...suspicious his fleets remain after all these millennia when we were defeated, our gods slaughtered."

Ruscuv's tendrils resume their movements with a flurry of angry gestures, her clawed feet digging at the floor but Valresko holds up a palm in her direction as his featureless face looks up toward Zekrul, "Lord Zekrul, you make claims that are ignorant at best. Are you not building up your forces with impressive speed as well? Lord Jadyk has only been freed from his imprisonment for a mere handful of standard months. I myself am not even a solar cycle of age.

"Lord Jadyk is building up his empire, his New Necrotic Armada, from nothing beyond what he was able to wrench from the corpses of those that stood in front of his progress to what is is this day."

Ruscuv gives an approving nod to Valresko and turns her own eyeless gaze toward the Knight seated above them. Zekrul sits upright in his throne and presses his fingertips together, "It is still suspicious he arrives with such strength, claiming to have gone through practically the same ordeal as I, lost in a tomb for eons until fate saw fit to free him."

Valresko lets out a sigh, a faint flicker of flame leaking from the hairline fracture splitting the smooth bone of his 'face' before he spoke, "Lord Zekrul, you know well the games of power and conflict that ruled the old Necrotic Armada, and indeed rule all factions in the galaxy that possess power sufficient to make a bid for control of their own fates.

"Lord Jadyk respects you as a power of the old Armada, and respects the very work you have undertaken and the strength you have displayed. Progress and successes which are now truly yours in this new age free of old Gods such as the Wormstar or the Charred God. We cannot deny you have made great strides in your time freed, and in fact deeply respect it as a sign of intelligence and your own power."

Ruscuv clacks her mandibles sharply, "Precisely. Despite being alone in this system without aid from anyone you have made a cozy little pocket for yourself that will grow into something fierce I am certain."

>cont

>>2365970
Valresko hadn't expected to hear a compliment from the Lich and neither did Zekrul appear to, the undead blinking in surprise but the Dominator continues when she leaves off, "I saw the memory of the Harbinger sent to meet with you. Lord Jadyk gave you his answer to what his goals for the future were, a future of unification and attempted peace between the Living and Undead. You said you would dwell on his words until someone came to speak with you, so here we are.

"The reason we are here is to begin the process of seeing if Lord Jadyk's New Necrotic Armada and your goals align, to see what vision for the future burns within your ancient soul. Then, when we truly see and understand each other, it will be clear and known to each of us whether we shall be friends, mere acquaintances, or even enemies."

The Lich motions with a clawed hand, "I myself am not fully convinced of Brother Jadyk's goals of peace between all," she glances to Valresko for a brief moment, "However I am content to contribute to see what may come of it," she lets out another long chuckle, "Even if his plans for peace fail, it seems his Armada has no shortage of foes for me to feast upon myself."

"Should you desire it, you could someday join your fleets with Lord Jadyks Armada to raise up and create something greater than anything the Undying Court could ever dream of. The old Armada failed to be united in vision and as such were divided in strength. Being divided, they fell to those who remained united, the Living and their Crystal allies. If it is possible, Lord Jadyk wishes for us not to be divided, but first we must know if this is possible.

"Lord Jadyk wishes to share with you this vision that now burns within his soul, along with any other survivor of the old Armada we may uncover. Will you allow him this chance and share with us in turn what vision now burns in yours?" Valresko asks, stretching a hand out palm up toward the Knight.

Roll me 1d100 best of first 3 please

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>2365972

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>2365972

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>2365972

>>2365972
And now since it is after 2am for me, this seems like a decent point to pause.

Hope folks are having fun, I know i do writing it.

We'll continue with the rest of this meeting later and then move on to Sur-Quro and the Solar Arbiters arriving at Barqalan to assess the state of the infestation.

>>2366015
>Maybe next time Wayward Disiple

>>2366170
I'm tempted to dedicate a thread to them specifically

Grave will you add credits as a resource? Now we're getting an active presence on Veraga Prime and get access to it's markets and we need to cover expenses for our agents, bribes etc. These seem to be things that can't be expressed in Metal and Biomass. Just wondering (to be honest it may not be worth the extra crunch and be better to just keep things vague)

>>2366876

I'd be hype for this. They have an important mission to complete

>>2366876
Doing God's/Wormstar's work Grave

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>>2366876
Have an Armatocere ship, Graves.

>>2369632
Looks like one of their Thorn fighters

>>2365972
Zekrul's thin lips were pursed tight while steepling his fingers in front of him. Tapping the index fingers together he is silent for some time, even his Envoy glancing over their shoulder toward him. Ruscuv shifts her weight, the pincers of her heavy tail flexing in a sign of her tension while Valresko slowly lowers his hand and to clasp it behind his back.

Finally Zekrul slaps both hands down on the armrests and pushes himself to his feet and says, "I was not expecting such an eloquent speech from you, Dominator. From Jadyk perhaps, he gave his own little monologue through his Harbinger when I invited him the first time," he started to pace back and forth before the throne while rubbing at his chin with a finger.

"It seems to infect nearly all of his creations," Ruscuv says with an amused flick of a tendril but shrugs when Valresko turns his head slightly in her direction.

The armored undead turned to face the pair of Reconstructed below, "Your words work to trap me but they are well crafted, Dominator," they fold their arms across the rent in their armor, "I would be foolish to stand against Jadyk and his fleets. I will listen to what he has to say, listen to what he wishes to share.

"To be completely honest, I am not completely certain what my goals and vision are. Adrift without my Charred God I feel..." he trails off as he lifts his gaze to look off in the distance as if searching for the right words before he scoffs and looks toward the pair, "I myself wish to see what this other Armada is like."

He looks down to the Envoy, "Take my Envoy, if you will," the undead turns around seemingly in surprise to look up toward Zekrul but says nothing, "They will go in my place while I continue to ensure the continued safety and construction of my holdings here in Teuthan. You cannot begrudge me that," he says, lifting his gaze back toward Ruscuv and Valresko, "From there we can establish more dialogues between Jadyk and I. Just as the Harbingers can speak with Jadyk's voice..."

The Envoy turns their gaze back toward Valresko and Ruscuv, the glass of their visor sliding open to expose the skull wreathed in green flames but they spoke with the same rasping voice of Zekrul, "So too will this Envoy."

The Charred Knight Zekrul wishes to send his Envoy to Horizon's Drop with Valresko and Ruscuv to establish more solid diplomatic dialogues between him and yourself.

Should Valresko allow this or suggestion another strategy?
>Yes, invite the Envoy back to Iti'a'Ropku
>No, suggest another way (Write-in)

>>2375242
>time to go to bed its getting la-
>death amongs't the stars updates
For gods sake graves........

>Take the envoy to Iti'a'Ropku

>>2375287
Ha sorry. Get some sleep and take care

>>2375242
>Yes, invite the Envoy back to Iti'a'Ropku

>>2375242
>Yes, invite the Envoy back to Iti'a'Ropku
I like this plan! Ask if we it would be acceptable to leave some of the fleet that we brought with us on an outer world of the system in case a mutual enemy attacks(since its an outer world, he wouldn't feel as nervous then if we kept them on an inner world).

>>2375242
>>Yes, invite the Envoy back to Iti'a'Ropku

>>2375242
Tapping a wicked claw against their smooth chin for several moments Valresko finally gives a sharp nod, "This is acceptable. The Envoy can accompany us back to the Iti'a'Ropku."

Zekrul chuckles as the Envoy seems to give a shudder and a brief glance around in confusion before the visor slides shut once more as the Charred Knight says, "Iti'a'Ropku. If my Wormtongue is right, that means City of Souls correct?"

There is a bark of laughter from Ruscuv, "Close. Home of All Souls. It is surprising you knew of that."

The undead gives a shrug as they retake their throne, "It is strange what we remember in our eons of unlife."

"Before we depart, I would like to leave behind our fleet in order to help stand guard over your holdings. The Confederates may think twice about sending a fleet to drive you off if they see Reconstructed ships present," Ruscuv says without looking to Valresko, "We can station them on a moon of the gas giant or the ice worlds to keep them out of the way."

Zekrul purses his lips and narrows his glowing eyes at the Lich before scoffing faintly then waving a hand dismissively, "The ice worlds are of little importance to me right now. Your ships can stay in orbit there," he leans forward and points a finger toward the pair, "If I am allowing warships to stay in my system, I have a small request that should be simple for you to grant."

Valresko folds his arms across his chest, his tail swaying as a flicker of orange flames leak from a fracture in his face like an exhalation of breath as he speaks, "And what is that, Lord Zekrul?"

"I request an FTL engine or the schematics needed to build my own. My reach is restrained to this system but with your aid I can begin exploring the neighboring stars and expanding my search for resources," he says while leaning back and steepling his fingers as he looks down toward the pair.

>The Charred Envoy will return to Iti'a'Ropku
>Zekrul requests an FTL engine or the knowledge to replicate them on his own in order to begin expansion

Should Valresko say in response to this request?
>Write-in

>>2375578
While I don’t like giving him freedom to expand wherever he pleases, I think we will never convert him if we turn down this offer. I say do it

>>2375578
Ruscuv is leaving warships in order to defend his holdings from the confederacy, he is already getting something in return.
FTL-capable engine schematics are a highly valuable gift and not one that we should give before we know where he stands, and definitely not for something as minor as a temporary warship presence that already benefits him.

>>2375578
He will likely be able to figure it out from either what ever wreckage he still has or from any ships that wander into the system. Give him rudimentary plans, but advise him to limit his expansion to Akham and Osjic systems. And dont attack plant bros and generally follow our diplomatic relations with other factions(the ones we help/dont attack can be reasoned with, the ones we fight with would never negotiate, so he will have plenty of worlds to conquer anyway).

>>2375578
I'm gonna have to go with nah
>While in persuit of unity the new necrotic armada would not begrudge you such technology, but administration of which is ultimately the decision of Lord Jadyk; the exchange may be discussed when a proper meeting is eatablished.

>>2375755
Now that I think about it, this could be a useful tool for expansion: find remnants of the old Armada, if they arnt complete and utter dickholes, give them a bit of help expanding via tech and advise them to have relations similar to ours(friends and foes) so that once our expansion reaches their neck of the woods, our enemies there will be weakened and we will have a power base to work with. It will be like a steadily growing galactic web, with the biggest node being our capitol.

>>2375578
Seems to be a tie right now with two in favor and two opposed.

Someone break it or I'll roll for it

>>2375638
It also increases our relations which, just from this meeting, are already improving. He is far enough away, with neighbors of his own to contend with, so I doubt he will attack us anytime soon.

>>2375578
Politely decline and say that has to be Jadyks decision.

>>2375578
Ruscuv turns slightly and motions to Valresko in a sign of deference to this decision.

The Solar infused undead gives a short nod in thanks before looking back up toward Zekrul with the flames still flickering from the fracture in his facade not unlike breath from lips, "I mean all due respect, Lord Zekrul, but that is a request that must be made to Lord Jadyk himself. He has routinely made the trade and gifting of technology a cornerstone of diplomatic relations for his new Armada, but require that he be present in some capacity for the transaction."

The Reconstructed could see how he grinds his teeth while trying to keep a stoic expression upon his mummified features. His fingers tap harder against each other with increasing intensity until he finally waves his hand sharply, "If that is how it must be, fine. That will be a part of my first conversation through my Envoy with him."

Ruscuv stamps a clawed foot in annoyance, drawing the gaze of the undead upon the throne, "Calm yourself, Zekrul. The Dominator speaks the truth, Brother Jadyk appears to find great joy in the trade of knowledge and technology. He regularly grants gifts beyond the value of the trade to his allies."

There is a long pause before the knight gives a nod with a faint scoff, "I have waited eons for my freedom. A bit longer is manageable," he looks to Valresko, "Tell me, how did Jadyk first acquire FTL tech? Some parked freighter left unattended?"

The fracture spanning Valreskos 'face' widens partially in a diagonal rent, a harsher breath of flame matching his words, "I was still a living Solar Blessed of the Sunscale, hunting down heretics in a distant arm of the galaxy, when Lord Jadyk rose up and conquered the two fleets that fought over the system he now calls home. He reached the stars by clawing his way toward them by climbing the mountain of dead rather than asking for a hand-out from his greater.

"Do not mistake Lord Jadyk's mercy as a weakness, Charred Knight," he says before the rent in the bone heals shut. He gives a low, polite bow with one arm folds before him and the other to the side, "May your meeting with Lich-Lord Jadyk be productive and your system stay safe from outside harm."

With a sharp nod to the Envoy he turns sharply and makes his exit from the hall. Ruscuv watched him walk away before turning her gaze back to Zekrul, her mandibles twisting in a grin at the sight of his deep scowl at the Solar General. His burning gaze turns toward her when she says, "Be thankful, Zekrul. Brother Jadyk and I fought each other upon our reuniting. Reshaped a mountain or two during it. It is by his advice that I do not give you the same, traditional Armadan greeting.

"I know your pride won't like it, but try to listen to him. He's got some strange ideas but the results have been satisfactory so far," she motions a bow similar to Valreskos before she makes her exit with the Envoy following her to the shuttles.

>Zekruls Envoy en route to Iti'a'Ropku

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>>2376079
Current forces in the Teuthan system:
>Palanquin, Ruscuvs battleship
>1 Battleship
>1 Hangar Battleship
>4 Heavy Cruisers
>6 Light Cruisers
>8 Frigates
>10 Corvettes
>6 Stealth Light Cruisers
>10 Stealth Frigates
>12 Stealth Corvettes

Stealth ships appear unlocated however Zekrul's defenses have proven capable of detecting Necrotic energy sources when in close range.

Leave the rest of the non-stealth fleet behind and return aboard the Palanquin?
>Y/N

>>2376108
>Y
Its a relatively small fleet.

>>2376108
>Y

>>2376108
Once more aboard their Coffins Ruscuv looked to Valresko who was looking over a list on a holoscreen while deciding where when how much of their modest fleet would remain behind but he glances her way as she began to speak, "Your little outburst there may have infuriated him. Had I not been there, you may be dueling him at this very moment," her voice tinted with amusement as she settles in to conserve space in the cargo bay.

"Had that happened I would have feasted upon his flames to fuel my own fires in a short matter of time," he says dismissively with a flick of the wrist, "He has the attitude of a human child and the subtlety of a tyrre politician."

Ruscuv lets out a gurgling laugh as her hands clap once, "I like that one, did you hear that from one of hte living?"

Valresko turns back to the holoscreen and begins flipping through it a few moments before answering, "From one of my Arbiters, said that of the Voidsingers."

"Either way, Zekrul will take that sleight to heart if he is still the same petty corpse he was before. A battle with him may be inevitable," Ruscuv says while propping her chin up on her palm and Valresko makes a noncommittal grunt in reply as they made their way back to her flagship and eventually home to Iti'a'Ropku.

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>>2376198
You alright man?

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The vastness of the Nebula Wall seemed to stretch into infinity with the city of Barqalan positioned in front of what from a great distanced looked almost like an immense canyon that runs into the turbulent sea of forming and dying stars. Even the distant UON knew of the Wall and the pirate city that stood vigil over the often treacherous passage. The fleet of Reconstructed ships had finally joined up with a collection of Pirate Clan ships that kept their distance from other groups waiting to see how the situation developed. Merchant ships waited in clusters with their mercenary guards keeping a paranoid watch for any opportunistic highjackers while a small squadron of Confederate Naval ships kept to themselves, no doubt transmitting to High Command. A handful of Osjiic Empire ships had quickly departed upon the Armada's arrival, much to the relief of the pirates.

Sur-Quro turns away from the viewing port to rejoin the table around which stood a handful of her Arbiters, a Legion Officer, and a Cacti Solar she had personally taught. Joining them were the pirate Captain Troma and a pair of netu from the city itself. A hardlight chair forms under her as she leans back while looking over the holograms displaying a dizzying amount of information that her symbiot was reading more than her, "Alright, so a ship full of zombies were picked up and somehow escaped quarantine to convert the majority of your residents into more of their ravenous kind. Anything specific I should know before I send in my soldiers to rescue whoever may be alive?"

One of the netu, a patch of synth-skin stretched over their burned out eye, clacks their beak sharply, "We told you, we had isolated the craft according to procedure at one of the docking hangars, it wasn't a big ship. You never know if a derelict ships fell victim to a virus or pathogen. We were preparing to send in drones to investigate when the ships hatches popped open and out they came. We sealed it off immediately, sacrificing the salvage team present, but someone or something sabotaged the airlocks and the undead escaped into the city proper."

"You're saying someone purposely released these beasts into your home?" asked one of the Arbiters, a tall osjiic by the name of Huor.

The other netu gave a netu motion of uncertainty, a finger brushing across a brow, "That's what it's lookin' like. Our city is built for confinement and sectioning off. It's the only way to survive chain decompression or contain fires," they shook their head, "They spread through the main wards so quickly it could only have been sabotage. Someone purposely unleashed these monsters on Barqalan."

>cont

>>2376570
Sur-Quro glances over the information then looks to Troma, "Do you have an estimate on survivors?"

The netu captain types at a hardlight keyboard that is projected for his use. An overlay of the city was projected with several sections highlighted, "Well, from what we've gathered from scanning radio waves and comm channels there are numerous groups of survivors scattered throughout. It's difficult, if not impossible, to be sure but we're estimating at least four to six hundred survivors scattered in varied sized groups."

There was murmuring around the table but Sur-Quro nods, "Well, seems we'll be quite busy. Where are the largest gathered?"

The map of the sprawling spacecity breaks up into a roughly circular shape with five wards radiating from a central core. One of the netu, the one missing an eye named Kler, motions to sections highlighted, "There's at least one decently large group in each of the five wards and the largest in the central hub. We've already managed to secure route to two of them in Ward Two and Four. We're currently working to ferry them out. We'd appreciate some muscle sent to reinforce them if you can."

"We'll send contingents of Reconstructed to help with that," says the Legion Officer, a human who seems to remember himself and gives a nod to Sur-Quro, "If you command it, Arbiter."

The yuyut held back her smirk, "I'll allow it," she looks to the netu, "What else can you tell me? This is your city and you would know best how to reclaim it or rescue those still surviving."

The other netu, named Zuvik, taps at their own hardlight board, highlighting several sections while the others dim, "There are numerous issues we've detected and been alerted by remote systems. Most alarming are the reports of the main reactors in the Hub showing signs of possible meltdown if we don't do something. The reactors are set to shutdown if too much time has passed without maintenance."

The synthetic voice of the Cacti drones out, "How long until this happens?" the first time it had spoken from the blocky box set into its armor and drawing surprised looks from the netu.

Zuvik blinks before shrugging, "That's the problem, shutdown should have occurred already but we're fearful that too may have been sabotaged or malfunctioning. Systems didn't report any physical damage so a team may be able to get in and reestablish safe operation of the reactors."

"I thought your city was full of redundant reactors," asks one of the Arbiters, "Wouldn't it be better to shut them down for now rather than occupy it?"

"This is true but the main power plants provide energy for the original infrastructure of Barqalan. Without them retaking the city will be much more difficult and take much, much longer. The Hub is also the location of the core systems that can help us gain real time information on the city if we retake it at the same time, making this one of our most important targets."

>cont

>>2376575
Kler points to the third labeled ward, "Also of importance are the hydroponic farms. They not only provide for the majority of the cities air recycling and purification, it is of great cultural importance to us. We need to retake them and prevent any fires from breaking out."

"Cultural importance?" Sur-Quro asks while glancing toward Troma who nods.

"Indeed, these farms house flora that were native to our homeworlds. One of the last locations in the universe they can be found," he says, the other two netu making motions of reverence at the mention.

"Any others? Which of the main survivor groups are under threat the worst?" asks the Legion officer.

"The main groups in Wards Two, Four, and Five have managed to secure themselves in the bunkers, areas meant to protect against catastrophic integrity failure. Ward One and Three, the Hydroponic farms and the Docks, are most under threat. They've sent out distress signals saying the bunkers are not secure and are fighting back the undead," Troma says.

Sur-Quro scratches at her neck with a claw while absorbing and assessing the situation.

So far there were several objectives presented:
>Secure the Central Hub to gain control of the main powerplants and the core systems
>Secure the hydroponic farms in Ward Three
>Secure and ensure the safety of the survivors in Ward One
>Secure and ensure the safety of the survivors in Ward Three
>Investigate the source of the outbreak, the infected ship still held in dock within Ward One

How should Sur-Quro and her forces proceed?
>Write-in which objectives to accomplish first

>>2376580
Hit the at risk areas first.

>>2376580
>Secure the Central Hub to gain control of the main powerplants and the core systems
If the station blows everything else is gone anyway

>>2376580
Hmmm. This is gonna be tricky. We cant split our forces to confront every objective and hope for them to be successful, so we need to instead hit them, initially split, but quickly reforming to tackle the big objectives.
I propose having our forces split to tackle securing the survivors and the hydroponic farm. The rescuers need to focus on making a corridor for the survivors to evacuate, then they can leave a skeleton(hurhur) force of mostly reconstructed with a small amount of living forces to coordinate extraction. The remaining resecure forces should continue to the main reactor, secure it then hunker down until reinforcements can get to them. The farm force should also focus on hunkering down. They will likely have an easier time, because if the enemy is coordinated, they will likely focus on the main reactor, giving them less trouble and decreasing the time it will take for reinforcements to reach the farms. Once the survivors have been secured and the farms have reinforcements inbound, send a token force to INVESTIGATE, NOT ENGAGE, the infected ship. If reinforcements will be required, then they will be sent if able. the remaining freed up forces should focus on eliminating the remaining forces near the reactor. Withe these key assets secured, the undead will be left in pockets that can be easily cleaned up.
This will depend on the speed of our forces, both in getting to the survivors so that they can be extracted with minimal security, and so that our forces can move to support each other.

>>2376580
Split up and focus on gaining control over the Central Hub and securing Ward 3 since it's being overrun and has the hydroponics

>>2376580
This whole situation feels like a trap. Is the sabotage meant to create an opening to kill or capture Armada officers? To bring back reconstructed for study?

>>2376580
Suggestions seem to be:
>Secure the Central Hub
>Secure Ward Three; the hydroponics and survivors
>Secure Ward One

Do you wish to split up before or after securing the Central Hub?
>Split up to cover more ground
>Secure the Central Hub first

>>2376723
Secure the hub first then split up to secure wards one and three

>>2376723
>Secure the Central Hub
>Split up to cover more ground
They're just regular zombies... what could possibly go wrong?

>>2376802
As far as you know the zombies are the same kind as those from the Refuge system so there are bound to be the more advanced Ghouls around as well. On board you have medical pods equipped to treat Blight Hunger infections with Legionnaire medics carrying supplies of antivirus to slow the progress should any of the living end up getting infected.

>>2376723
>>Secure the Central Hub first

>>2376644
Not bad.

>>2376723
"We'll secure the Central Hub first. Getting those reactors and the core systems under control will make securing the rest more convenient. After that our next goal will be the survivors of Wards One and Three, allowing us to take control of the hydroponic farms as well," Sur-Quro says as she stands, the hardlight stool fading away.

The others around the table give nods or vocalization of acknowledgement. Troma taps at the hardlight keyboard and a list of the various pirate ships in the area are displayed, "I'll contact the ships nearby, see who they can spare for this."

The Legion officer speaks up, "We should rely heavily on Reconstructed. We should make some more or have more ships sent."

Tapping at their keyboard Zuvik projects a larger, more detailed map of the Central Hub, "Either way, there are a few areas you may attempt entry. In the lockdown most out access points will be sealed to prevent further decompression. However there are zones you can enter from outside, either through areas exposed by damage sustained during the outbreak or by finding a working airlock."

Several areas are highlighted, footage from passing ships displayed to show various possible locations. Sur-Quro looks over the data with her symbiots help before nodding, "We have our mission, return to your ships and prepare for immediate infiltration."

>Arbiter Sur-Quro shall lead the operation to secure a route into the Central Hub to secure the core systems and the main reactors
>From there they will send two groups to secure and complete further objectives in Wards One and Three

Special Forces present:
>Arbiter Sur-Quro
>13 Solar Arbiters
>4 Legion Necromancers
>6 Legion Voidsingers
>200 Legionnaires
>100 Solar Centurions
>Small fleets worth of Reconstructed

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>>2377037
Sadly I must call it here for the night. Good news is I don't have anything planned tomorrow/today so we can continue with diving into this operation.

Hope folks had fun, I do writing it. Sorry for the random delay there, had to prepare for tomorrow when I'm trapped without a car.

>>2377063
Thank you for running, always a pleasure.

>>2377063
Thanks for running Grave

Here to spooky pirate edition

>>2377063

Sad I was out for this one, but keen for the continuation.

One thing that should be mentioned, is setting up some talks between the Netu pirates and the Armo. If their homeworlds plants are dying and in short supply, they should be able to help there.

>>2380517
If by dying, you meant dead for millennia, then yes. However, we(the anons) have already discussed the idea, and the general consensus was to wait until we were on better terms or closer to where there worlds are. It would take a lot of effort to do which we cant spare and it would be a useful message for the galaxy. Overall, its more of a long term goal then a side quest we can try to immediately complete.

>>2380582

Their homeworld PLANTS :)

If the Netu have some samples, surely we can easily throw them to the Armo and ensure their continuation.

Like, I'm not saying we should try terraforming their homeworlds, or expend resources trying to re-create lost flora/fauna, just throw them to the Armo and have them either clone a bunch of them or try gene-modding the plants to be more survivable etc

Thread will be resuming later this afternoon

>>2380582
>>2381724
the armatocere is definitely a safer steward for their homeworld's flora

>>2381724
Oh, okay, now I get what your saying. That would be a good lead up to the eventual terraforming, plus it would help build links between our two closest allies(not counting vassals and even though the Pirates are more Friendly, then allies).

>>2381933

Yeah, I'm definitely not advocating for going out there and terraforming a few worlds on a whim... But this is a good and easy way to get us into their good books

well the plant bois want to catalog and learn about all different kinds of flora yes? it seems like a double win to put them and the pirates in contact. Hell maybe they could work together and fix up the planet and share it between them. It never hurts to introduce friends so that they may also work together.

Coffins moved in toward Barqalan with Pirate dropships following in their wake. The majority raced toward the central hub where a multitude of large building-like structure rose up from the center of the sprawling complex. Others moved toward where Pirate ships already drifted to deploy Reconstructed soldiers to protect and reinforce the evacuation of survivors already contacted.

It was almost dangerous to pay too close attention, an unguided eye getting lost in trying to track and trace the complex tangle of metal and plasteel, the space city growing over the eons as entire ships and smaller stations were grafted onto the structure until it was the mammoth construct it was today. Illuminated by the glow of the nebula and emergency lights that still functioned the dropships started their scans of the city in their search for an entrance.

In the bay of one of the Coffins the Solar Arbiters complete their last minute gear checks and speak softly among themselves. Sur-Quro herself stood at a viewing port overlooking the city while holding her helm in hand. She wore the pale armor similar to the other Arbiters, resembling the colors and designs of their Dominator patron, her Sunthrower latched onto the side of a bulky pack with her flail on the other.

She glances over her shoulder as a netu wearing the dark armor of a Necromancer approaches. They gave a curt nod, the netu rare to speak unless necessary, and joined her in gazing out the window. Sur-Quro's symbiot feeds her the intel she silently requested, learning the netu was Quikka, a former Dagger Pirate who joined the Legion after their training in the Necromancers Spire of Iti'a'Ropku under Jor's teaching.

"I have not been here for many cycles," Quikka says in her soft voice, Sur-Quro unsure if she was even talking to her.

"Regrettable it is not under happier circumstances," the yuyut replies before turning away as her symbiot alerts her to their final approach.

Roll me 1d100 best of first 3 please

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2382456

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Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2382462
well... off to a good start

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2382456
Oh hey Graves, didn't see you there

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>>2382462
>>2382508
>>2382511
I'd say we blitzkrieged a path

>>2382462

Fuck yeah. Let's roll on in

>>2382456
As the Coffins swept in with sensors scanning across the tangle of the superstructure Sur-Quro turned away from the window with the Necromancer. A mental tug through their collective symbiots gathered the Arbiters and Legionnaires around her. Standing upright she towered over most there, besides the netu and osjiic members, and looked over them for a moment before saying, "I'll admit it has been a while since I was involved in an operation beyond commanding a ship. However we have been trained by the best the Armada has to offer and even before joining the Armada we were formidable."

The Pilot guiding their Coffin swings the shuttle around as external lights illuminate a section of hull that was blown out from a detonation inside. As it scanned the area it appeared the section had been a viewing platform from the twisted frames and glittering glass floating nearby.

"You've all been briefed, you know your roles," she lifts her helm up and the neck of her armor reaches out almost like a living creature to seal to it with a faint hiss of pressurization, the living gathered around her doing the same if they hadn't already, "The undead waiting for us are of the Blight Hunger strain, the same viral agent responsible for the Refuge crisis so we at least know what to expect from the typical zombie and ghoul. Be warned however there may be an outside force due to those reports of sabotage."

Sur-Quro walks forward as the crowd parts for her, "Watch each others backs and stay in contact. It's why we have the symbiots and comms. Stay sharp, stay alive," she reaches back and her Sunthrower swings forward on a nimble armature that connects to her pack and turns to face the group as they too take weapons in hand, "To Death and through it to Eternity, we are the hand of Jadyk."

The Coffin door behind her swings open, venting the air within the shuttle with a rush of air. Sur-Quro let the pressure carry her out of the Coffin before the fins of her pack flare and she twists with a flaring of Voidlight. Following right behind were the Arbiters and Legionnaires that had jumped from the Coffin with her. She glances to the side as they drift toward to blasted out platform and spots two other Coffins deploying their cargo of soldiers to join them. With another burst of Voidlight she brings her legs up a moment before touching down just outside a piece of twisted windowframe she grabs to halt her momentum.

Moments later the rest of her squad touch down, several landing directly in the depressurized room. Their armors sensors scan across the drifting chairs and tables. As they move in and get a closer look it quickly becomes apparent from the food and cutlery drifting past covered in frost crystals the room had been either a cafeteria or restaurant before a detonation vented the atmosphere.

>cont

>>2382894
Her boots latching onto the grated floor with their built in claws Sur-Quro spares only a passing glance to the frost covered corpse of what could have once been a human or epikor as she moves with her soldiers toward the airlocks that still seemed to be sealed. As she approaches she glances back to see a Pirate shuttle pull in close and the familiar armored form of Captain Troma leaping from its underbelly with his own crew.

A demi-Think Tank drifts to the airlock and extends several finger-like manipulators from its underbelly to slot itself into a control panel that had been scorched inoperable by blaster fire. A Legionnaire tech stood nearby, ready to cut into the door with a hardlight torch before turning and giving a gesture of confirmation as a light illuminate over the airlock.

A pair of Arbiters, a human and vorh, move up to the airlock as hardlight shields ignite over their forearms and grip spitefires in their free hand. At a signal from Sur-Quro the airlock slides open with a cloud of vapor to show a small chamber empty except for a single netu corpse with a pistol in their hand. The pair of Arbiters move in with the tech and demi-Think Tank following with Sur-Quro and a handful of others.

The demi-Think Tank moves to another control panel, this one intact but locked from this side, and the airlock seals shut. With a groaning of metal and hissing of air the chamber pressurizes as the pair of Arbiters moved to the front and waited while Sur-Quro and the others prepared themselves behind. At another command the door slides open and the human and vorh quickly step inside, the artificial gravity still present but weak in the area. There was only a short delay before they hear a groaning and the vorh quickly whips around in the direction of a netu missing half a leg crawls toward her with bloodied claws, its eyes missing from its sockets.

Their Spitefire launches a bolt of condensed Solar energy that strikes the dark chitin of its neck, blasting away a portion but also seeming to splatter flames in a small radius. It begins to screech as it stops its crawling toward them to claw at the flames but another shot only adds more fuel to the flames that quickly begins consuming the Necrotic virus fueling the zombie.

More groans and shuffling emanated from the darkness as more zombies stumbled into view in the flashing of the emergency lights. The pair of Arbiters quickly begin laying down covering fire and moving into the wide curving hall as Sur-Quro and the others move in as well. Soon they could see quite well by the light of the Solar flames that stuck to the mobile corpses like liquid fire and sends them into a blind panic. Shardspitters were quickly brought up, their flechettes tearing into flesh and chitin with ease.

>cont

>>2382896
Partway down the hall another airlock opens with a hiss, the blocky form of what had to be an osjiic charging forth to knock back a handful of the undead with a slam from a physical bone and metal shield before swinging their flail and knocking back another, the blow leaving the kesh zombie ignited.

Shortly after the hallway was calm once more as the last flailing zombie was stilled with a bayonet to their eyesocket. Yanking the thermal blade from the now stilled corpse that smolders with lingering Solar flames the human nods to Sur-Quro while the techs and demi-Think Tanks move to the next set of airlocks and attempt to link into local systems.

Captain Troma approaches, his armor lacking many of the decorations and trophies it normally bore but still retaining some of the splendor of ancient netu designs it was crafted to emulate, while wiping his thermal vibrosword free of dark blood with a corner of his half-cape, "Your soldiers are skilled. It is an honor to fight alongside you, Arbiter Sur-Quro."

The yuyut waves a hand dismissively, "We can discuss honor and glory after we've secured this station and rescued your people. Time to get moving."

>Beachhead established

Tech and demi-Think Tanks are attempting to map out the best routes toward the Central Hubs core systems and reactor plants.
Roll me 1d100 best of first 3 please

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>2382901

Here goes!

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2382901

>>2382901
Really sorry for the delay there. Got dragged away for a bit. Should be clear now though

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Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2382901
Looks like we've got this in hand.

>>2382912

All good Grave, it happens.

>>2382901
Not long after one of the techs, a vorh Legionnaire selected for the mission, has their demi-Think Tank partner project simplistic holoscreens as they gather around, "Alright, by tapping into security systems, downloading schematics, cross-referencing to data provided by the Daggers, and local video feeds we've got several options."

The holoscreen highlights several twisting paths through the superstructure toward their goal, "Split up and take the smaller hallways and side corridors to avoid the majority of the undead, or take the main roads together and blast and hack our way through them. We'll need to hit up several security stations along the way to update our maps and check the areas for damage and shambler concentrations. Splitting up and taking the safer routes will add some time on our trip, but the amounts of undead we may run into if we stick together could also slow us down just from them piling on us."

Sur-Quro taps the handle of her sunthrower in thought.

How should they proceed?
>Split up into smaller groups to take side passages and maintenance tunnels to avoid large concentrations but possibly taking longer
>Stay together on the main paths to fight through the undead in the most direct route
>Other (Write-in)

>>2382971
Well shoot. If I thought that bypassing the undead would be faster that would be the obvious choice. As it is it doesn't seem to be faster OR less risky, since we'd be split up and taking a long route.

I vote
>Stay together on the main paths to fight through the undead in the most direct route

At least for securing the reactor, time is a possibly very important. We'll also spring any surprises about what we're up against more quickly and with better preparation.

>>2382971
>Stay together on the main paths to fight through the undead in the most direct route
Punch through, we have the momentum.

>>2382971

>Stay together on the main paths to fight through the undead in the most direct route

We gotta kill them sooner or later... May as try to punch through

>>2382971
>Stay together on the main paths to fight through the undead in the most direct route

Roll me 3d100 best of first 3 pls

Rolled 78, 81, 54 = 213 (3d100)

>>2383030

Cmonnnn babby

Rolled 77, 28, 23 = 128 (3d100)

>>2383030
doot

Rolled 11, 87, 57 = 155 (3d100)

>>2383030
AYO

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>>2383046
>>2383058
>>2383062
>78, 87, 57

Cautiously optimistic.

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>>2383030
"We'll have chance enough to split up once we secure the Hub. Sticking together we'll punch through, we were going to slaughter the undead either way so might as well put down as many as possible along the way," Sur-Quro says. She points a finger toward a group of Legionnaires, "Keep this beachhead secure. This will be one of our main staging areas." The soldiers salute and begin bolting automated guns into the walls and ceiling as a demi-Think Tank continue to work at a control panel.

Lining up at an emergency bulkhead a tech was working on opening Sur-Quro hefts her sunthrower and turns to give one last once over of her squad before turning back in preparation. With a groaning of metal the bulkhead starts to slide open and already they could hear the sound of undead on the other side.

Drawn by the noise of the bulkhead a group of zombie was shambling and jogging toward them with arms outstretched, the yellow emergency lights flashing overhead making the crowd of mostly netu undead ghastly to look at. Shardspitters and bonerifles were hefted behind the shields of the first rank of Solar Wardens and opened fire, the first undead jerking and falling from the impacts only for those behind to stomp over their bodies.

Sur-Quro steps forward with her sunthrower into a gap that opened for her and unleashes a spray of roiling Solar energy that ignites the stale air into a searing flame. The zombies moans of hunger turned into shrieks of agony as they begin cooking, their stumbling steps turned into panicked flailing. Unmindful of the flames several of the larger Arbiters wade forward past the Solar Reconstructed with their own sunthrowers or flails that burn with the radiant energy and begin clearing the hall before them.

Marching forward they work their way through the zombies that shambled from the darkness or snatched out from hiding spots, the trained soldiers keeping their heads as they mowed through them. Sur-Quro's group was the first to head out from the beachhead, another squad of Arbiters and Legionnaires follow in their wake, supported by Solar Wardens. Already several zombified netu had slinked from the shadows in the passing of the first group only to fall victim to the next.

Not long past their initial entry several of of the soldiers reach into their packs to unleash tightly coiled flatbody Gargoyles that quickly slither into airducts and power conduits. The agile Reconstructed worm their way through the infrastructure ahead of the groups, scouting ahead of them for passages that were still passable and to avoid the largest concentrations of undead.

>cont

>>2383232
It did not take long for the first ghouls to make their presence known as a vorh Arbiter is snatched from one of the secondary groups and drawn through a narrow fracture into a side passage. Panic flashes through the Arbiter as long talons scrape and tug at their armor, stretched jaws and jagged beaks snapping in their face, but their symbiot injects a shot of adrenaline and other combat stimulants into their bloodstream.

A moment later the Legionnaires that gathered around the crevasse are forced to recoil as an intense gout of flame rushes out followed by the screams of burning, dying ghouls. The Arbiter reaches a hand out and is pulled free, their armor scorched and covered in scratches but the vorh lets out a shaky laugh and says they were fine to continue.

The ghouls struck from the shadows, quick and vicious in their attempts to drag prey back into the darkness but the light of the Solar Arbiters flames did much to keep them back. Often they could be seen skulking behind zombies or at the edges of the light cast by Solar flames. The more mindless zombies would avoid existing sources of the Solar energy and flames, inching around the radius of the Arbiters Sunstrikes or burning corpse only to charge headlong into a salvo of kinetic weaponry as they were herded.

Often Sur-Quro and the Arbiters were forced to halt as they enter a new chamber or causeway as a horde of undead begins racing toward the new prey. Strategically placed Sunstrikes illuminated the chambers damaged during the outbreak, funneling the zombies toward their waiting lines to be gunned down or incinerated.

The city population was clearly once of netu majority, the dark corridors and rooms filled with the tall avian-insectoids, their dark chitin splattered with their mildly acidic blood. They scrambled over each other and objects, their beaks jagged and gnashing as wicked claws tore at shield and armor. It was hard to tell the ghouls apart from the zombies, unlike the ease of differentiation between human or epikor ghouls and zombies.

Blood stained the ground and walls, gore and half-eaten limbs strewn about or dropped with many corpses eaten down to the bones. Shattered glass reflects the lights of blaster bolts, elemental flames, and the flashing of emergency lights.

As they continued fighting their way through, Sur-Quro and her squad enter what must have been a main thoroughfare. With zombies emerging from darkened halls and doorways they are forced to hole up as a large horde descends upon them.

Gravity was light there, the generators damaged or running low on power, allowing the zombies to move with increased speed and ease. Ghouls leap with shocking speed and grace, snarling as they throw themselves at the Sur-Quro and her group. Undead began to fall from a higher level, sharpshooters in their squad gunning them down before they even have a chance to land however several ghouls manage to make it behind their ranks.

>cont

>>2383235
Releasing her hold on her sunthrower it automatically returns to its holster alongside her pack, instead grabbing the handle of her flail and swinging it knock back a kesh ghoul that leapt for her with claws outstretched. Flames lingered on the undead as a sphere of Solar energy ignites at the end. The yuyut gives a shout as she swings it once more, the orb flying out to strike the approaching swarm and swell into a roiling Sunstrike that ignites nearby zombies.

Her left claw tenses as an oversized gauntlet deploys, the clawed tips glowing orange with heat. The gauntlet snatches out, pulping the skull of a human zombie as it fell before her and pushes itself to its feet, throwing the corpse with barely a thought over their heads into the approach swarm. Her flail swings out, knocking back another ghoul that made it past their line but as she reared back to finish it off with another blow she spots the large hulking form of an osjiic ghoul leaping from the railing above toward her.

As her flail caves in the skull of the ghoul she was already turning, trying to spin fast enough to counter the osjiic barreling toward her but in her adrenaline fueled state she knew she wasn't fast enough. Her fears were unneeded however as Captain Troma seems to move with a speed that defied his own height and bulk, three of his four hands holding the hilt of the wicked sword that cleaves the ghoul from shoulder to side through the tattered and torn security armor it wore. The netu gives a nod to Sur-Quro who returns the gesture before they both leap into battle against the undead once more.

Finally other squads catch up, quickly reinforcing and driving back the undead horde. Quikka and another Necromancer held their shortstaves, flinging out Hexes and shardspitter flechettes guided by their telekinetic gifts. Solar Wardens, the Sunscale inspired Reconstructed, move to the frontlines as they march forth armored in hardlight and swinging brutal morningstars and axes.

Taking a moment now that they broken the advance of the undead Sur-Quro orders the techs to enter the nearby security station. With the guards turned undead now slain the demi-Think Tanks and their techie partners quickly move in and tap into the local systems. After a few moments overhead lights flicker on, revealing the extent of the massacre that must have occurred here during the outbreak. Now illuminated it was not hard to see the large thoroughfare had been full of shops, curios, and restaurants to appeal to those passing through or waiting for the Nebula pass to calm down.

>cont

>>2383240
It wasn't long before a tech approaches Sur-Quro as she speaks with Captain Troma and Quikka, the vorh tech holding a handheld holoprojector to show a detailed map of the area, "Good and bad news. Good is we're making good time, we're over halfway to the Core Systems. Bad is we just picked up a distress signal from a nearby bunker. About three dozen survivors holed up in a panic bunker with ghouls working out how to get past their barricade. Signal said they had children and medics from a local hospital with em."

"How far isolated are they?" Troma asks.

"About ten minutes walk if there weren't zombies between us and them," the vorh says.

Troma looks to Sur-Quro, "We need to protect them."

Quikka shakes her head, "We have our mission. We can rescue them after we secure the core."

What should Sur-Quro command?
>Ignore the survivors, the mission takes priority
>Send a squad to reinforce them
>Detour to secure the survivors before going toward the Core systems
>Other (Write-in)

>>2383245
>Send a squad to reinforce them

We only need to keep the barricade from falling before rescue. We don't need to actually rescue them or eliminate all the undead. Take some pressure off, and fall back if the squad takes significant pressure. Taking pressure off their barricade is the win condition here.

>>2383245
Well I have a nifty idea, might not be feasible if the safe room is too deep in the station however.

Using the cruisers we brought with, we could try and use flensers and lances to bore a hole through outer decks down until the level that the bunker is on. From there we can deploy shuttles and drop pods into the breach. If we are lucky a some of the ghouls will get blown out when the various airlocks fail and make our jobs easier.

However if the bunker is buried too deep into the structure, or if blowing a hole that deep would threaten the pressure where Sur-quro is it would be better to just go with plan B.
>Send a squad to reinforce them

This is Netu home turf, Troma should take the majority of the Solar wardens and the flatbody Gargoyles to intercept the survivors. Having a low amount of living cohorts in favor of reconstructed should keep their profile down. Modus operandi should be to focus on a surround. Clear obvious routes for reinforcements and trap the ghouls with their backs against the shelter.

>>2383282
I figure that any available troops should already be part of our current invasion force. If anyone's not already on the station they should just come in behind us through the established beachhead.

Breaching and venting sections of the station might not be a good idea until we've got a significant section that we know is both self-contained and has no survivors.

>>2383245
>Send a squad to reinforce them

>>2383245
Sur-Quro thinks to herself for a few moments as she looks over the map before giving a sharp nod that cuts the argument brewing between the pair of netu, "We can't afford to stop for every hold out and group if we're going to save this city," she holds up her hand to stop Troma's protest, the gauntlet retracted back into the bulky armor of her forearm, "However we will send a squad of Wardens with some of my Arbiters. Just enough to reinforce them, scare off the dead, or draw them away. Medical professionals will be crucial in the healing of Barqalan and I do not want to be a yuyut who lets whelps perish!"

She barks out a few orders and two Arbiters with a squad of Legionnaires step forward with a group of the Solar Wardens to give them their orders. Joining them were a group of the Pirates, one of Troma's subordinates volunteering to assist how they could in reinforcing the survivors.

Roll me 2d100 best of first 3 please

Rolled 56, 94 = 150 (2d100)

>>2383347
rollin' bones

Rolled 81, 28 = 109 (2d100)

>>2383347


Aw yisssssssss

Rolled 11, 71 = 82 (2d100)

>>2383347

File: 1263656531572.jpg (62 KB, 450x450)

62 KB JPG

>>2383368
>>2383361
>>2383360
>81, 94

I'll take it!

Rolled 40, 70 = 110 (2d100)

>>2383375
you think thats great? Check out these hot 100s

>>2383347
The pair of Arbiters, the osjiic Huor and a stonestar by the name of Klinnik, give quick salutes before they lead their squad away from the main group down a darkened stairwell to a lower level. Sur-Quro and the others watched them depart before the yuyut barked out another order and the group of soldiers and Reconstructed jumped to follow her command as they started jogging through the now depleted thoroughfare.

The occasional zombie shambled from the doorways, either not noticing the commotion earlier or only now navigating through the maze of the sprawl to reach them, but they were quickly taken down or driven off by spitefire shots. Gargoyles and demi-Think Tank sonar could detect ghouls shadowing them, the more agile undead leaping from shadow to shadow in the low gravity with startling speed as they stalked the squads. However they were smarter than the zombies, holding back away from the searing light of the Solar that caused the Necrotic virus inside them to recoil.

Guided by Sur-Quro and Troma they began to descend into the darkness of a lower level, making their way down a flight of stairs that join a large vertical chamber. The path joined a curving balcony that wound itself around the edge, a waist-high wall the only barricade from the far drop. The yuyut walked to the edge and takes a glance up and down to the various levels above and below where the occasional flash of emergency lighting betrayed the position of shambling zombies or nimble ghouls.

There was a faint scratching sound and Sur-Quro pulls her head back a moment before a netu ghoul rakes its vicious talons where her helm had been. She reacted without thinking, her fist streaking out to collide with the side of its face as it hefts itself up, the chitin and beak cracking under her knuckles. It reels back then falls into the dark of the deep pit with only an indignant squawk from the blow.

Sur-Quro blinked in surprise where the ghoul had been then shook her head, motioning to the group to hurry on. Shortly after renewed shrieks of ghouls rang out following by the growing sound of masses of moaning zombies. Their pace quickens as they follow the curving path down and opening fire into the undead that began spilling out into their path. The demi-Think Tanks floated back, their necroflensers shooting bolts of Necrotic energy even as they continued to guide them ever closer to the core systems.

The squad sent to assist the group of survivors went thankfully unassaulted for some time, the lingering Sunstrikes blocking off doorways long enough for them to sprint past. Huors footsteps pounding down the halls, nearly as heavy as the Wardens following, her sunthrowing incinerating a ghoul that charged at them with a glob of burning Solar energy. The stonestar Klinnik scurried along the ceiling and walls, their five eyes keeping a keen watch for any lurking undead.

>cont

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>>2383501
However their passage did not go unnoticed for long as ghoulish screams filled the corridors followed by the sounds of the shambling undead. Forming up behind Huor and the Wardens the Legionnaires and Pirates opened fired on the swarms of netu and human undead that surged forward. Flames were belched forth by the Wardens, their fires causing the zombies to panic as they were consumed only to be shot or cut down by the ever advancing squad.

Klinnik crawled along the ceiling, the spitefires built into each arm of their pale armor allowing them keep up a constant covering fire in nearly all directions. They spot as a netu ghoul tenses in the broken window as the squad passes by, the undead leaping suddenly with claws outstretched for the weaker armored netu pirate that followed behind the Legionnaires. Tackling them down to the ground they snapped their beak at them as razor sharp talons sliced into their suit along the side and spilled a spray of pressurized blood. The ghoul however did not get a chance to finish off the injured pirate as a barb of metal punctures its neck, the sting whip yanking it off the pirate suddenly into the waiting arms of Klinnik, hardlight blades slicing the head from neck.

The injured was hefted up, a medic Legionnaire stopping long enough to slap a seal over the wound and inject the antivirus to stave off the onset of the Blight Hunger until they could be evacuated with the the survivors.

They fought on, the fires of the Arbiters and Wardens guiding them forward. The tech sent with them shouts out they were getting closer but as they rounded a corner and exited from the corridor into a wide but low tunnel they find themselves face to face with the swarm they were sent to handle.

Further down the tunnel, past a swarm of zombies and ghouls, were a series of emergency bulkheads that hadn't sealed all the way, only restricting the passage of the undead that squeezed through the gaps. It was apparent they had already smashed through several improvised barricades of stacked crates and furniture but the sound of gunfire and blasters drew their immediate attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqz4FHatAqk

At several shouted commands from Huor the squad forms up behind the wedge she formed with herself at the center of the Wardens. Huor and Klinnik lob their Sunstrikes into the horde, the spheres of Solar energy expanding into orbs of burning radiance that ignite any undead unfortunate to be caught. Kinetic rounds and Solar bolts rip into the horde as Huor and the Wardens stride forth with burning weapons and sturdy shields.

>cont

>>2383502
Legionnaires hold staves and ignite the hardlight emitters at the end, but rather than form blades or spears they expand into claw like pincers. They dart forward, the hardlight mancatchers latching onto the ghouls that leap over or dart between the line of Wardens, the snapping undead held out of reach of their claws as their partner Necrolytes put them down with bonerifles or shardspitters before they moved onto the next. Each of the Legionnaires selected for the mission were veterans of the Refuge Crisis, each knowing how to combat the undead using tactics developed during it.

The sudden assault from behind and the searing pain of the Solar energies quickly broke the assault on the barricades. Guided by the pair of Arbiters they stormed into the center of the swarm and set about incinerating those that didn't flee in their mindless panic. Finally they break through to the rows of half-sealed bulkheads, the undead trapped between those already inside and the rescue squad quickly falling to their combined efforts.

The Legionnaire tech and demi-Think Tank quickly tap into nearby control panels as Klinnik and several pirates work their way through the remaining barricades to meet with the survivors holding the line. They gave the stonestar strange looks, never having seen one of their kind, but quickly begin thanking the pirates and Legionnaires. Their thanks turn to shouts of alarm as the bulkheads begin opening to their default setting but the techie calls out not to worry, explaining they bulkheads could be sealed completely now should they wish to seal themselves up again.

Gathering inside they seal the outer most bulkhead as the Arbiters and Pirates speak with the survivors. The undead swarm has been close to breaking through, those inside running low on ammo with only a relatively low amount of adults compared to the children. Also rescued were several doctors and medical personnel that had been rescued by the exhausted looking security force.

The Legionnaire medics were quick to distribute ample vials of the Blight Hunger antivirus while Pirates and Necrolytes share some of their rations with the children that crowd around them. Mostly netu there were also plenty of human and vorh children as well that looked to them with awe and excitement, but their eyes betrayed that many had been witness to gruesome events already.

A quick discussion later and Huor and Klinnik lead their squad back out through the bulkhead barrier, gunning down the undead that had regrouped in the short time, before multiple bulkheads seal shut behind them. Staying behind were a handful of pirates, Legionnaires, and a pair of Wardens to keep watch over them until they could be rescued proper.

>Side goal success: Rescue and secure survivor holdout

File: Solar.gif (1.79 MB, 540x540)

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>>2383503
Before they depart the Arbiters turn to the bulkhead and reach out, burning a symbol of a wide circle with a flame burning within, the same sigil designed by Valresko that marked the armor of each Arbiter and Warden.

Satisfied with their marker the osjiic and stonestar pair quickly lead their squad down toward where Sur-Quro was leading the others toward the Core Systems and the reactor plants.

>>2383509

Nice :D

>>2383509
I think I better call it a night.

Hope folks are enjoying it, I know I am. Been waiting a while to get this plot point.

Dunno if I'll be continuing this thread or starting a .4 dedicated to solely the operation at Barqalan

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>>2383509
awesome as always, thanks for running Grave.

Have some Arbiter Fan art

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79 KB PNG

>>2383509
>>2383511

Awesome. Thanks for running.

Next thread will likely be a combo between the Barqalan operation and checking up on the Wayward Disciple.

I've been a bad QM by ignoring them

>>2386755

Shit happens. There's been a lot going on

>>2386755
Looking forward to next thread, Graves.

>>2360649
>The influx of peoples from numerous cultures and free access to new foods from Rukor and the Armatocere had cause something of a culinary revolution within Iti'a'Ropku. Many new and experienced chefs experimented with ways of preparing and serving the veritable cornucopia of new foods. One of the main imports of visiting Pirate Clans was quickly becoming various foods and spices from distant worlds, many of the former slaves from B'Nan yearning to reexperience the tastes and memories of their previous lives before their enslavement to the Empire.
Fuck, Grave making me hungry.

>>2361047
Alright, one more post, that was a pretty fucking badass intro. Nice job.

>>2383509
hey grave, you got any other gifs like that for the other elements........just wondering